Google has significantly restricted the creation of new accounts within Russia, according to a statement from Russia’s Digital Communications Ministry reported by state media on Thursday.
The ministry cited reports from telecom operators indicating a “significant decrease in the number of SMS messages sent by” Google to users in Russia. These messages are typically used by the tech giant to verify new account creation through two-factor authentication.
While two-factor authentication via SMS for existing Google accounts remains functional, the Digital Communications Ministry cautioned that this service may not continue indefinitely. In light of these developments, the ministry advised users to back up their data, consider switching to alternative authentication methods, or move to domestic services instead of relying on Google
This announcement follows reports earlier this month that users in Russia were unable to register new Google accounts using Russian phone numbers. Some users claim these issues began several months ago.
The restrictions come amid a series of challenges for Google services in Russia. In August, Russian users experienced widespread outages on YouTube, followed by slower loading speeds across the country.
These developments occur against the backdrop of increasing tensions between Russia and Western tech companies since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Russian authorities have accused YouTube and Google of spreading “terrorist” anti-war content, fueling speculation about a potential complete block of the video-streaming platform.
